Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re planning a family trip this year, let me tell you why Portland, Oregon, should be at the top of your list. Known for its quirky charm, lush green spaces, and vibrant culture, Portland is a treasure trove of fun and excitement for kids and parents alike. From interactive museums and scenic parks to delicious food trucks and unique local shops, there’s something for everyone in this Pacific Northwest gem. So pack your bags, grab the kiddos, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Portland with kids!
Table of Contents
Fun Kid Activities in Portland
Iconic Landmarks and Fun Activities
- Portland Saturday Market – Open from March to December, this vibrant open-air market is a feast for the senses with its array of music, food, and local crafts.
- Powell’s City of Books – Claiming the title of the largest used and new bookstore in the world, Powell’s offers a rainbow of rooms categorized by genre, perfect for a family browsing session. It has 9 color-coded rooms throughout its 68K square feet of space. It takes up a city block. If your kids like books as much as mine, this adventure could take a full day. If it does, run across the street to pick up a Voodoo donut or two. Details below.
- Oaks Amusement Park – First and foremost I think of Oaks Park as an amusement park full of all the carnie fun that you and I had as kids. It’s got games/arcades. It’s got rides for thrill seekers and a little kid ride section that was fun for even my timid kiddo when she was 3. She liked the carousel, Chipper’s Choppers (where you ride around in a tiny circle on a pint-sized motorcycle with sidecar), Go Karts, Sky Fighters (you ride around in a tiny circle in a spaceship that lifts off the ground). We have also thoroughly enjoyed the good old-fashioned roller-skating rink with a little section on the side for newbies.
- PlayDate PDX – Consider this an opportunity to let your kids loose while you relax with a beverage. Believe me, your kids (and you) will have a stimulating time running around this 3-story indoor playground. The slides are long, the interactive dance floors are enticing and the play structure itself is enticingly enormous.
- On the weekdays you’ll cough up $13.50/hr/child
- On the weekends, your kid gets to play all day for $16.50 each
- Wings and Waves Waterpark – If you are willing to venture about an hour outside of Portland with kids, this indoor waterpark is phenomenal. The water is warm, the slides are high (and low). We took our then timid 3-year-old and newborn with some of our friends and could have stayed for hours (except that momma needed a nap!).
- Heated Indoor Pool Wonderland – officially known as the Southwest Community Center. We have loved their legit waterslides, water pipes that intentionally squirt water, hot tub. Just remember that it’s a community pool and not a hotel. Bring your own towels.
- Portland Rock Gym – If you have little ones with a tendency to climb the walls, you could always take them to this rock climbing gym. They’ve got the main walls where more of the adults climb, and then a separate, smaller room with auto belays.
- Spring Garden Park – Local playground with plenty of entertaining structures (including a walk-in birds nest) and space to ride some bikes.
Museums and Educational Experiences
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) -Engage with interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun for all ages. Really fun to get your geek on with all the interactive exhibits and the planetarium.
Outdoor Adventures
- Oregon Zoo – Home to a wide variety of animals, the zoo is an excellent place for children to learn about wildlife and conservation efforts. Check out the lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Oh, and elephants, giraffes, seals…. insects, snakes, lizards…. chimps, orangutans…need I say more?
- Washington Park – This expansive park includes a playground, a rose garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden, offering a serene escape from the city bustle. Located on a hill just outside of downtown, it really does feel like an oasis of calm (before the storm). We often find ourselves at this playground to get our wiggles out before we head back to Seattle.
Culinary Delights in Portland with Kids
- Portland is known for its coffee! You can find any number of excellent choices if you search online, but if you need a pick me up and want my personal recommendations…I’ve been to Sisters and Stumptown most recently and can attest to finely roasted beans and yummy brews. I’m a black coffee kind of person, and my husband likes his frothy and sweetened with syrups.
- Bamboo Sushi – local chain with seriously craveable rolls. We always get the veggie tempura (light, crispy) and ALWAYS get some variation of the Green Machine (a sweet, tangy, melt in your mouth roll of yumminess).
- Voodoo Doughnut – Iconic Portland treat for the family. Quirky and delicious doughnuts. My girls like the donut topped with Cap’n Crunch, or the one topped with M&Ms. They have devil food donut with cayenne pepper. And for those of you who like a basic cake donut, or basic glazed or apple fritters, they have those, too.
- Mothers – All-day feel-good breakfast food with some great mimosas. Fun for the whole family.
- Le Pigeon –French inspired and great for the foodies in your family. My girls are not fans, but what a treat for my husband and me.
- Urban Farmer – Located in the Nines Hotel (urban, upscale) this steakhouse manages to put out a low-key vibe. I’ve eaten there for breakfast and lunch and can attest to their sandwiches and non-steak options as being delicious.
- Food Trucks – Portland is known for its diverse food truck scene, so be sure to indulge in some local flavors that will satisfy both kids and adults.
Local Recipe
The Best Crab Cakes Ever (gluten free)
Now let’s talk logistics. Where should you stay? Do you drive? What is the airport like? Should you rent a car? Check out this blog post for some data points for you as you consider what will make the best vacation for you and your family.
Until next time, keep the spirit of exploration alive, and let the memories of this city inspire your next adventure. Safe travels and warm wishes from the City of Roses!
Let me know what you think of your trip! I’d love to hear what you like (or not!). Sharing is caring, and the more feedback you give the better we can inform the next people who travel to Portland. You have benefited from other’s feedback. Let’s pay it forward.
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